Jair Bolsonaro will now face a second-round runoff to secure an outright majorityPilar Olivares/Reuters

Brazil appeared close to electing a far-right president last night as results showed a surge of support for the populist regarded as Latin America’s answer to Donald Trump.

Jair Bolsonaro obtained 46 per cent of the vote, less than the 50 per cent he needed to avoid a second round run-off against his left-wing rival, Fernando Haddad, who won about 29 per cent.

The result represents a massive anti-establishment swing in the largest economy in the region and a remarkable comeback for Mr Bolsonaro, who was almost killed in a stabbing attack while campaigning last month. “It means the Brazilian people are fed up with their political class to the point that they are willing to implode the old system,” said Matias Spektor, associate professor…

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